Our Developments business granted planning permission for up to 350 new homes in Crawley Down
Mid Sussex District Council has approved plans submitted by Wates Developments for up to 350 new homes in Crawley Down – 105 of which will be available through social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership.
- Our Developments business proposal to Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) for up to 350 new, high-quality homes granted approval
- 30% (105) will be available through social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership
- 60% of the site to remain undeveloped providing a wide range of publicly accessible space
- The team engaged extensively with key stakeholders on plans and significant contributions will be made towards local facilities
Our Developments team has worked collaboratively on the proposals with the Council and consulted extensively with the local community and key stakeholders for many years to ensure the scheme will serve the needs of new and existing residents while also delivering significant benefits to the community as a whole. Through the Local Plan process this site was found to be one of the most sustainable and suitable locations for supporting housing needs.
Supporting the Local Plan, the approved proposal will support the delivery of much needed homes within the district through a range of house types (terraced, semi-detached, detached and maisonettes) and sizes (1- and 2-bed flats and 2-5-bed houses). The new homes at Turners Hill will be energy efficient, powered by renewable sources, will feature electric vehicle charging and an electric car club will be available for residents.
New pedestrian and cycle paths will also be developed, linking into the Worth Way giving safe and sustainable access to East Grinstead and Crawley. To further meet local needs, the proposal will include a 70-bed care home and community facility, increasing access to care and enabling people to age within their existing community.
Our Developments business’ plan also recognises the importance of green space. During the planning consultation phase of the project, 82% of local respondents voiced support for including public open space within the development and, as a result, 60% of the land will be undeveloped. The scheme will deliver a wide range of publicly accessible space including extensive landscaped walking routes, biodiversity enhancements through woodland pockets, wildflower meadows and enhanced grassland and the ‘St Leonards Lookout’; a community gathering and viewing space featuring a bandstand, picnic area, children’s play place, and community orchards.
As a family-owned business now in the fourth generation, legacy and collaboration are central to our family values and throughout the course of the project. In excess of £5m will be contributed towards a wide range of key community assets including schools, doctors, libraries, health services, sports provision and sustainable transport, with significant contributions made towards The Haven Centre and Crawley Down Football Club.
As a Football Club, we feel we must make the most of this opportunity to direct funding from the development towards sports provision and specifically the creation of a 3G football pitch to benefit the club and wider community. It will make an enormous difference to generations of people locally accessing sport in our community.”
Dave Connor
Chairman of Crawley Down Gatwick Football Club
We are pleased that our plans for new homes in Crawley Down received the green light from Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC). From the outset, the Wates team worked with MSDC officers to deliver a landscape-led development which reflected the local character of Crawley Down and we feel very proud of the collaborative work that has gone into this proposal.
“Our involvement in Crawley Down spans over a decade so we understand the local area and community well, having previously developed the adjacent schemes of Wychwood Place and Woods View, both of which are now thriving communities. We’ve engaged extensively with Worth Parish Council and worked closely with local stakeholders and the residents who live next to the site while developing the plans. Following feedback from the community, we have ensured that green space and publicly accessible areas are a priority to create a sense of place where the community can thrive.
“Over the past year we’ve also been supporting the local community including Crawley Down Gatwick Football Club and The Haven Centre and we will continue our support to enhance and strengthen these assets.”
Meryl Baker
Operations Director – Portfolio and Wates Commercial & Logistics
